Review: Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland~ (Reviewed on Switch, also on PS4 and Steam)

[@Thanadas]

I have never even heard of this series but will certainly be giving this a try. It looks adorable and fun at the time time. And I might be a sucker for in depth alchemy style systems in games.

[@JRPGJungle]

Honestly same haha hope you enjoy it! :)

[@jdzspace33]

Ok, I'm sold. I've been debating picking this game up while waiting for Ryza or not. Now I think I will

[@Zodia195]

*Hears there's no time limit* I AM SOLD! I've been wanting to get back into this series since I had so much fun with Mana Khemia (which had no time limit). So now that I have a PS4, I'll check this out. *Hear about the Interrupt and Delay mechanics* Oh sweet, that's a relief. I've played RPGs enough to know that having those kind of gameplay mechanics can be a life saver, but to actually interrupt a foe's move? Oh wow! Why can't more games have that? Ach! There's a Switch Version to? I plan on getting one at some point (Nintendo fan for 30 decades now), so now I am torn! Well there's no rush, so I'll wait and see.

[@JRPGJungle]

Haha yeah the lack of time limit is pretty nice :D enjoy Lulua if you try it ^_^

[@RealSpaceChild]

Mysterious trilogy also doesn't have time limit. Firis only has time limit at the beginning, but after passing alchemy exam you are free to do whateve you want without time limit. Lydie and Suelle also had small time limit at one time later in game. it's just "synthesize one item in 20 days" so it was fairly easy. I haven't played arland games because I don't like time limits. Also Atelier Ryza which is newest atelier game don't have time limit neither.

[@Zodia195]

@@JRPGJungle Hey I mentioned in your Ryza review that I am playing this game now I think I getting to the end of it based on my AlchemyRiddle progress. I will admit, being a completionist, I've used a Walkthrough for help at times, but for the most part I am doing this completely blind. I am finding the main storyline fascinating. I literally had to do a double take when Pamela showed up. This is only the 2nd Atelier game I've played and Mana Khemia had a ghost char named Pamela also who loved teddy bears. So I do have a question for you- Is there always a Pamela char in the Atelier games? Because it's reminding me of chars like Cid of FF franchise. But here are the list of other things I enjoy and well dislike about Lulua- Dislike- I mentioned the inventory limit. Another thing is I don't like how only Alchemists can use items in battle. I feel it limits me on whole I can have in my party. Like I really miss playing with certain chars at this point in the game. I also don't like how I don't know my friendship lvls are with non-playable chars. I can see that with playable chars, but not others. One tiny nickpick- I didn't know the game could show you when a char event was happening by pressing a button to show the town map area where you can teleport within the town. It wish it had told me that, but if it did, then I totally forgot how. I also notice a lack of ability to 'skip scenes'. While I know this isn't a factor now since it's my first playthrough, but in the future I do like having the ability to skip through scenes. Also, I wish like in Mana Khemia, you had the ability to take out weaker foes with just one hit. And this is more of personal preference, but I wish there was more romance in the game. Sure there were a few moments, but nothing concrete. It's one of the main reasons why I didn't continue looking into the Atelier series. But yeah this is more of a subjective opinion rather then a criticism. Likes- Lack of time limit. Also, the fact that the at nighttime, the enemies aren't hard or super fast like they were in Mana Khemia. Another thing I think got improved, was the ability to Restock the items I used it battle. Omg, it's a lifesaver! The alchemy part itself is easier to use then in Mana Khemia also because I can see what kind of effects happen and it's not always a guessing game. Easy to play. I am not a fan of hard games and while this game has had it's few challenging moments so far, it has been too hard. Of course I am not done with the game yet and there can always be a major difficulty spike coming up. It's happened in every JRPG I've played so I am pretty sure it'll happen here too lol. I am nearing the end of Ch. 9 though and all of my chars though are around lvl 90 and I've already maxed out my alchemist lvl too so I think I am good lol. Now the hard will be to decide which Atelier game I prefer. I am going to wait until I finish Lulua before I give my final verdict. So far I think I still prefer Mana Khemia because I enjoyed the gameplay there more, but I do think Lulua has the better cast of chars though.

[@Chronoflation]

Atelier Rorona has a time limit, but it's very forgiving, for the most part, especially once you unlock Hom, who can gather for you. The only time it got stressful for me was in the overtime segment of the DX version, and that's only cause I didn't spend enough time synthesizing to be able to make good enough gear and weapons to get past the first level of end game areas (only possible because the rest of the game was so easy). I highly recommend this game to ease you into the time limit entries. Also, while not having interrupts, having items that activate when you get low on health are a thing in Rorona, so you can actually try to adjust how much damage you take in order to get those activations more often. It's how I beat one of the post game bosses despite lacking almost any of the post game exclusive abilities

[@ironysteeth]

No time limits, and this game had my favorites synth system of all Arland series (and I enjoyed it more than a lot of atelier games outside of Arland). The combat system with the free item use was a highlights for me because it emphasize the items I spent so much time on. This is my favorite non Ryza atelier game.

[@musiclover01ization]

Good review. I finished Atelier Escha and Logy a couple of days ago. It was an okay game but I feel like the time limit kind of kept me from doing as well as I could've. This game not having a time limit is good.

[@natchu96]

Well compared to the original Arland Trilogy, most long-time fans consider Escha & Logy's time limit so lenient that it might as well not be there...

[@joniden2215]

This was my first Atelier game and now I am a fan.

[@Thiagoguimaraes25]

Everyone else in the world has to play games dubbed in English and most of the American developers don't even bother to translate the game text in general, but when the Japanese developer doesn't do dubbing for Americans, everyone complains... In Brazil there is a huge market for games and most games are completely in English today, in addition to the absurd prices and the value of the consoles. Not to mention the special versions that are impossible to buy.

[@magicalcat-girl5272]

This was a great review. I was deciding if I'll buy atelier lulua after getting the other arland games first in the arland trilogy. It's also great that this game has no time limit, so I'll definitely check it out for the nintendo switch. The atelier games art style looks great too. ^_^

[@nithorias9622]

I'm so happy that Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is finally coming to North America on October 29, Europe on November 1 Yay!!!

[@JRPGJungle]

It's gonna be so good! I'm so excited :D so many Atelier things this year!!

[@nithorias9622]

@@JRPGJungle I know right, can't wait for your review when the game comes out hehe

[@Chronoflation]

Oh, I didn't realize this is sub only. I was going through the Arland series in order and have been playing with the dub on. I really haven't had the patience to go through sub only content for a few years now. I spend all day reading off a screen for work, so I really grew to hate having to do that more when I got home after when I wanted to relax. Maybe becoming a software developer was a mistake, lol

[@DemonChisae3112]

This was my first Atelier game but still not finished it I'm taking my time but your review helped me make the choice to get this and thanks to all your other Atelier reviews I now nearly have all of them apart from two. Even have the spin off game as well cause your reviews are always helpful. Thank you so much for these reviews 🙂💜

[@JRPGJungle]

Really happy to hear that :) I hope you enjoy all of them when you get to them ^__^ thank you for watching~ :D

[@xLadyDushi]

Atelier Lulua is my first Atelier game in the series and I love it. It also makes my want to play the the other games in the arland trilogy! :)

[@Tamipriest]

Good Review >.> the only thing i dont like is when i looked it up the game has 3 ! Season Passes , 2 for 30€ and one for 22€ >.< , the game itself looks good imo will play it after i finish the other arland games

[@tbuckyt]

Great video! Excited to play

[@JRPGJungle]

Thank you! :) hope you enjoy it :)

[@lavayuki]

I have been getting through the atelier games especially with all the massive sales on the PSN store, and so far have platinumed the Gust and 4 Mysterious games, and loved them all but shallie and ayesha. I bought Ryza recently as it was 67% off in the TGS sale, but am interested in Lulua too, as I love the cute design of Lulua (much more into that cute demure look over the sexy Ryza look). The no limit unlike the other Arland game is a big attraction for me, although the alchemy systems definitely seems like the hardest of the series. I tried Meruru but gave up.

[@Axel181]

I've only played around 10 hours, but I like what I'm experiencing so far. Both the alchemy synthesis and battle systems remind me a lot of the Dusk Trilogy's versions, only with an Arland polish and a bit of the Mysterious trilogy sprinkled, but not too much. It feels quite open and easy to understand as to how to get properties and traits mixed in well for the best quality possible, which is nicely appreciated. I do like the music and the overall art style and graphics. Reminds me of Blue Reflection. Same artists maybe? Overall, I like the game so far and I'm sure I'll enjoy it more as I keep playing. Salty about the season pass but there's not much we can do about that, sadly >.>.

[@JRPGJungle]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it! And the artist Mel Kishida did do Blue Reflection as well, so yeah, they do look a little similar (especially the colour palette :3) And yes, totally agree with you on the Season pass, even if how good the game is has probably sucked me into buying it >< lol but I hope you keep enjoying the full game :)

[@Axel181]

@@JRPGJungle That explains the similarities. I need to finish BR at some point too.

[@KudaGeatsune3821]

My first game in the series though I'd watched let's plays of the arland trilogy so I know all the characters it was fun and sometimes I'd just stock up on items and synthesize for a bit Costume choices where nice though I wish they didn't lock the fairy outfit away from late coming players

[@cottonhun8622]

I already own the game but I want to dive into the other Arland games before Lulua. Like you've said there is probably a little bit more to get out of the game if you've played the other games before!

[@nithorias9622]

That's exactly what I'm doing, I bought the Arland Trilogy and finished Rorona a few weeks ago. I'm playing Totori right now, 4hrs in and it's amazing seeing characters from Rorona, can't imagine playing Lulua after finishing the whole trilogy!

[@jub8891]

beautiful game- will want to play this after nelke

[@JRPGJungle]

I recommend it :D

[@jub8891]

@@JRPGJungle nice, will definitely check it out! its interesting how the atelier series has grown in audience reach over the last decade or so- maybe being available on more platforms including pc might have something to do with it- not sure if its a good or bad thing necessarily but i hope gust continues to give us excellent games 😊

[@jub8891]

also what accent do you have? i can hear a slight australian in there

[@evo7390]

watching this while the credits roll on the other monitor (Atelier Lulua ending)

[@smolchild1057]

The game looks nice, although the muddy realistic textures in contrast with the anime characters Is a bit jarring compared to the old games. But the exclusion of time limit is cool, although i feel the time limit, although inconvenient, makes me feel like i have a responsibility to ensure my character succeeds.

[@Emufreak]

Hmm the Atelier series is one of the few RPG series I never looked into perhaps it is time to change that. Which Atelier game would you recommend for starters?

[@JRPGJungle]

The newest one Atelier Ryza I think is a great place to start! The synthesis system is very visual which makes it easier and it's either standalone or the start of its own trilogy so you won't be lost in the story :)

[@xMysticxbutterfly]

i had the mysterious trilogy for long now and finished sophie to start on firis the time limit is just stress ... i also have the dusk trilogy yet i need to start on that ... im bad at the time management ^^;;

[@PhoenixLayton]

I absolutely HATED the time limit. My first game was Totori, then I tried Meruru. Every time I played an Atelier game with a time limit I failed. Now that there are no time limits with the Atelier games I can finally truly enjoy them.

[@veghesther3204]

The timed limits is why I pretty much gave up the series completely Mana Khemia 2 in 2008 was the LAST game I played on the PS2.

[@Normal-Person]

I want to play the first 3 Arland games however I keep getting turned off because of the time limit.

[@shattereddarkness4499]

So far I've played Atelier Sophie and Firis. Absolutely love them. I'd like to see more English dub Atelier games without time limits too. This game seems good enough and I love the graphics too. I might just buy like I've been in thinking about doing..

[@lcdsoundfan8012]

Seems interesting, I'm not a fan of time limits, I like to take my time to get to know the game systems. I also like the concept of the Alchemy Riddle book. The Atelier artstyle is a bit too cute for my taste, but the gameplay looks good. And what a timing this must be for you, at the peak of your Atelier-hype they launch (one of) the best games in the series!

[@JRPGJungle]

I feel pretty lucky! haha Thanks to the Arland collection, I was able to go into Lulua with it fresh in my mind and totally hyped, so yeah. I'm pretty happy :) then they'll keep that hype going with Atelier Ryza soon too hopefully! ^__^

[@mauricioglen1330]

I wanted to play this but it never arrived to local retailers in my country, guess i'll wait until it is on sale to buy it digitally.

[@Zorahime29]

should i start with ayesha or rorona?

[@azureblaze3875]

a late question but does anyone know if totori and meruru get any costumes in this game?

[@kamuiyu7387]

iam in love with the atelier series but the pc ports have many errors i buy lulua and not buy future atelier games because the pc ports have many errors aqnd crashes i was able to fix escha and logy buy re installing it but it patch now i cant launch the game i love your accent jrpg senpai more power to you

[@gustr3851]

Lo comprare a fin de año o el proximo , aca en chile es muy costoso de momento

[@saitoXamaterasu]

esta super barato, en steam me costo 20 lukas

[@gustr3851]

A que barato en steam , pero yo lo comprare para ps4 , esperando un tiempo terminara valiendo 15 mil. Mientras pasa los meses tengo varios juegos nuevos y otros sin pasar

[@JohnRambo1947-July-6th]

No Mimi, no buy

[@pikapowow5958]

I just finished rorona but got an ending i dont think was the best, i bought totori and heard it was worse im about to try it soon, i dont know if im missing something but i hipe itl click soon

[@iridescentgreen]

What accent is that? It's like she can say "r" just fine until all of a sudden she can't.

[@JRPGJungle]

I'm Australian haha but my accent has always been a little mixed due to consuming a lot of US material and now I also work with a lot of Americans and people from other places in my day job so yeah :3

[@ancalyme]

Lulua on the switch looks worse in handheld mode than even Meruru 😑 instead of optimising, they made the textures ugly, removed objects, removed nearly ALL faraway objects and jaggies everywhere

[@infiniteaaron]

She is essentially a witch then? Isn’t that what an alchemist is? I’m losing interest in trying this game with each look. The series LOOKS nice, the graphics.

[@Heroinedown]

I miss the good old Atelier games, those on the ps2 with a real actual plot, villains and story that makes you care more about the world than the happy slice of life it turned out to be on the ps3/ps4 era. No season passes, no dlcs, just a full complete experience with bonuses after completing the game. Plus the graphics were cuter, the 2D characters never get old, I preferred it a lot more, Mana Khemia 1 and 2 were the last intersting games belonging to the alchemy series for me but I'm probably the only one thinking this way. It's really a shame those games didn't sell good enough in Japan to allow those franchises to continue in that direction and ever since they went on focusing on cute girls with next to no plot, people have been buying truckloads of those thus killing what could have been an interesting challenger to some of the biggest series in the genre. I don't feel like buying this game as it continues on the same path as the others and I'm seriously tired of the same formula being repeated like a foolish EA or 2K game (just like those dumb Fifa or casino simulation NBA2K). I need games that don't take me for a fool and this ain't one of them. And don't get me started on those shitty microtransactions that exceeds the price of the initial game and which get higher in prices with each new released games, that's just crazy and it will only get worse thanks to people buying pretty much everything every single time. That's so depressing, at this rate, there will definitely be a point where playing games will be too expansive to even consider purchasing them. I'll stop playing long before that but the future of gaming looks bad.

[@ballsem2175]

Meh, the Iris games are really generic & linear without anything much that makes them feels distinct & unique while the first Mana Khemia game are just dumbed down Utawarerumono with magical highschool drama instead of war & politics, the second Mana Khemia game are a complete joke by comparison. They could probably challenge the bigger series JRPG in an alternate universe where those big series are something like Neptunia, Agarest, and Mind Zero. Gust tried many new things with each new instalments to find whatever worked for them but this series will always be niche, that's why they're sticking to the slice of life formula of the original Atelier games since the old fanbase loves them and look, they have Atelier Sophie & Atelier Ryza as their best selling games! Also new & old fans alike hates KT's DLC practice, and this goes without saying but the only reason why your prefered Atelier games doesn't have paid DLCs are because afaik the PS2 doesn't support any kind of DLC, there's no guarantee that those games will be free from any paid DLC if they were to be released nowadays but at least you realized that you're the only one who thinks that way.

[@gmanawesome5773]

ATELIER LULUA GIVE ME GREAT EXPERIENCE